A 4-day Tanzania safari starting from Zanzibar is a popular itinerary for travellers looking to experience the wildlife and natural beauty of mainland Tanzania while enjoying the convenience of beginning their safari on the beautiful island of Zanzibar.
Usually the 4-day safari starts with a flight from Zanzibar to Arusha or Dar es Salaam, followed by a drive to the Safari destination for a game drive to see wildlife and amazing Tanzania nature lands. On the last day of the safari, it ends with catching a flight back to Zanzibar from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or Dar es Salaam, depending on the destinations visited.
The tour Route
-Day 1 : Fly Zanzibar to Serengeti National Park
-Day 2 : Serengeti National Park
-Day 3 : Serengeti –Ngorongoro Conservation area.
-Day 4 : Ngorongoro Crater – Drive back Arusha town/Zanzibar
Related tour for a Tanzania Safari in Northern and Southern Tanzania.
10 DAYS TANZANIA CLOSER TO NATURE
13 DAYS SAFARI + ZANZIBAR HOLIDAY
7 DAYS BIG FIVE SAFARIS IN TANZANIA
6 DAY SAFARI FROM ZANZIBAR
5 DAY SAFARI FROM ZANZIBAR
Frequently asked questions about 4 Day safari from Zanzibar
1. What is included in the 4-day safari package?
A typical 4-day safari package includes a variety of essential services to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience. These usually cover:
-Domestic flights: Round-trip flights between Zanzibar and the mainland.
Park fees: Entrance fees to the national parks you will be visiting.
-Accommodation: Lodging in safari camps, lodges, or hotels, depending on your preference and budget.
-Meals: Full board, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the safari. Some packages also provide picnic lunches during game drives.
-Transportation: A comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
-Guide services: An experienced and knowledgeable safari guide who will accompany you throughout your trip.
-Airport transfers: Pickup and drop-off services from the airports.
Some packages may also include extras like bottled water during game drives, cultural tours, or bush walks. It’s essential to check with your operator to know what is and isn’t included.
2. What is the best time of year to go on a 4-day safari?
The best time for a safari in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit depends on what you want to experience. The dry season (June to October) is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing. During this period, animals gather around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino).
If you are interested in witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, the timing varies slightly:
June to July: The wildebeest migration typically moves northwards, and you might witness the dramatic river crossings.
August to October: The herds are in the northern Serengeti, sometimes crossing into Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
The wet season (November to May) has its advantages too. The landscape is lush and green, birdwatching is excellent, and you may witness the calving season, particularly from January to February. Although some areas can be muddy and more challenging to navigate, fewer tourists mean a more intimate safari experience.
3. Can I customize the safari itinerary?
Absolutely! Most safari operators offer customizable itineraries to suit your preferences. Whether you have specific parks in mind, want to focus on certain wildlife, or prefer luxury accommodations, the itinerary can be adjusted to meet your needs. For example, you can choose to spend more time in the Serengeti if you're particularly interested in witnessing the migration or add a cultural visit to a Maasai village. You can also select the level of accommodation that suits your budget, ranging from basic camping to high-end lodges. If you’re traveling with a private group, you have even more flexibility to tailor the experience to your liking.
4. What type of accommodation is provided during the safari?
The accommodation options on a safari can range from budget-friendly to luxurious, depending on your preferences:
-Luxury lodges and tented camps: These provide a high level of comfort, with en-suite bathrooms, gourmet meals, and sometimes even swimming pools or spa services. They are often located in prime areas for wildlife viewing.
-Mid-range lodges and tented camps: These offer a comfortable stay with private rooms, good food, and essential amenities, providing a good balance between comfort and cost.
-Budget campsites: For the more adventurous or those on a budget, there are basic campsites with shared facilities. These allow you to experience the wild up close but with fewer frills.
Regardless of the type, most accommodations are situated within or near the national parks, allowing easy access to wildlife viewing.
5. What should I pack for a 4-day safari?
Packing light and practical is key for a safari. Essential items include:
-Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothes in neutral colors (like khaki, beige, or olive) to blend in with the surroundings. Long sleeves and pants protect against the sun and insects. A hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings are also advisable.
-Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or boots for any bush walks and sandals for relaxing at the lodge.
-Accessories: A good-quality camera with extra batteries and memory cards, binoculars for spotting distant wildlife, and a flashlight or headlamp.
-Toiletries: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal hygiene items. Some lodges provide toiletries, but it's good to bring your own just in case.
-Medication: Any personal medications, as well as anti-malaria tablets (after consulting with your doctor) and a basic first aid kit.
-Documents: Passport, travel insurance details, flight tickets, and any necessary vaccination certificates (e.g., yellow fever).
Most camps and lodges provide laundry services, so you don’t need to pack too much.
6. Is a 4-day safari enough to see the Big Five?
Yes, a 4-day safari provides ample opportunity to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), especially if you visit the right parks. Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater are particularly well-known for their high concentrations of wildlife, including the Big Five. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, experienced guides know the best spots and times to increase your chances of encountering these iconic animals. Keep in mind that some species, like the leopard and rhino, are more elusive, so patience and a bit of luck are often required.
7. Which national parks will I visit during the safari?
A 4-day safari can cover several renowned parks in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. Common parks include:
-Serengeti National Park: Famous for its incredible wildlife diversity and the Great Migration, it is one of the best places to see large predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
-Ngorongoro Crater: This UNESCO World Heritage site offers an enclosed ecosystem with high wildlife concentrations, including the endangered black rhino. The crater’s walls create a natural amphitheater for wildlife viewing.
-Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal migration of wildebeest and zebra. Tarangire is less crowded but offers excellent wildlife viewing.
-Lake Manyara National Park: A smaller park famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and beautiful lake views. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching and a variety of wildlife in a compact area.
Depending on the itinerary, you may visit two or three parks, ensuring a diverse experience. Each park offers something unique, from the vast plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater.